10 engineering roles that didn't exist in 1990

These are not your dad’s engineering jobs.

In the past 30 years, advances in engineering have completely changed the way we live and work. Career paths that didn’t even exist a generation ago are now prominent around the world. Here are ten of the hottest new career options young engineers can choose from.

1. AI Engineer

An Artificial Intelligence engineer builds AI models using machine learning algorithms and complex learning neural networks so they can function like a human brain. AI programming focuses on three cognitive skills: learning, reasoning, and self-correction. AI systems process large amounts of data very fast and make predictions more accurately than humanly possible which is ideal to draw business insights and make decisions that affect the entire organisation.

The manufacturing sector is using AI systems (Industry 4.0) in a variety of ways by; reducing unplanned downtime via predictive maintenance; to better-designed products; AI-powered analytics to improve factory efficiency; machine learning to enhance product quality by spotting defects; improved safety of employees.

2. Offshore Wind Farm Engineer

The wind has been used as a power source for thousands of years, but we’ve only recently begun to turn it into electricity. Offshore wind farms are fields of turbines that stand in the ocean and harvest wind energy. The global offshore wind market grew nearly 30% per year between 2010 and 2018, benefitting from rapid technology improvements. The global offshore wind market is set to expand significantly over the next two decades, growing by 13% per year and offshore wind capacity is projected to increase fifteen-fold to 2040, becoming a $1 trillion industry over the next two decades - matching capital spending on gas- and coal-fired capacity over the same period.

To keep these sites performing at their best, wind turbine technicians take responsibility for maintaining, testing, and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment and monitoring performance. The growing worldwide interest in renewables means wind power jobs are increasing rapidly with many employees moving from the oil and gas sector.

3. Data Scientist

 Data has become a crucial part of engineering and has heavily influenced the development of AI and machine learning. Data scientists turn large amounts of raw data into meaningful information that organizations can use to improve their businesses by presenting results in a clear and engaging language. Data scientists design software frameworks that use recorded data to identify and resolve issues. Almost every business is now using data or thinking of using it. Most Data scientist hold a degree in computer science, mathematical or science-based subject with software development skills in low-level and high-level programming languages such as Python; JavaScript; Scala; R; SQL; Julia.

4. Drone Operator – Site Inspection

Unmanned drones can quickly, accurately, and efficiently provide aerial intelligence that helps businesses make important decisions about infrastructure, equipment, mines, pressure vessels, cargo tanks, and aircraft all of which would be difficult and time-consuming for humans to get to. This helps cut risks to workers and the environment. Drone operators collect and interpret data and produce vital reports on the safety of projects on the railways and roads, in air transport, and more. 

5. Cyber Security Analyst

Cyberattacks are a growing threat, and protecting digital infrastructure is vital to many organisations. Cybersecurity analysts help companies improve their security and protect sensitive information by employing a range of technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats. They use metrics and data to identify possible threats before they occur. As our world becomes more digital, the need for these professionals will grow. 

6. Digital Marketing Specialist

The marketing industry has changed dramatically over the decades. A Digital Marketing Specialist lead marketing efforts using digital media and tools to promote a business and increase client engagement, via SEO (search engine optimization), PPC (pay-per-click), Content Marketing (written, graphic, and video), and other techniques to drive traffic to a company’s digital platforms (company website, Facebook, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and increase interest in products and services.

Nowadays, almost all marketing activity will have an online presence whilst traditional practices, TV, yellow pages, magazines, direct mail are often being reduced. 

7. Sustainability Director

As the environment becomes a growing concern for all of us, more and more companies are looking for Sustainability Directors to monitor their impact on the environment and help them become more sustainable organisations. A sustainability officer (often referred to as a CSO) will analyse a company’s profits, or institution’s future outlook, and predict a company’s ecological and environmental impact. 

8. Web Analyst

Web analysts study companies’ online marketing strategies and report on how consumers are experiencing their web and mobile marketing campaigns. They plan, develop and channel track the online customer journey using data to provide actionable insights to various stakeholders across the business to ensure more effective connection with the target audience. Web Analysts help drive the customer segmentation model, manage and maintain web analytics implementation and dashboards to key stakeholders. They commonly use tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and data visualisation software i.e. Tableau, Infogram, ChartBlocks, Power BI, etc  

9. Cloud Service Specialist

A cloud computing specialist helps companies move physical information (IT) activities, such as file storage and on-site servers, to a virtual environment by migrating their information and services into the cloud. Cloud specialists maintain and support the operation of servers, networks, and web services in the IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS arenas. Cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, IBM Cloud, etc. 

10. Mobile Application Designers & Developers

Mobile designers go under a several names including app designers, iOS designers, Android designers, and more. App designers are in charge of making an app look good, while developers make it work. Mobile app design encompasses both the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). They work across multiple platforms such as Apple iOS, Google Android, Windows, and mobile web.

All these new engineering jobs show us that we’re moving towards an ever more digital era with the widespread adoption of the internet, smartphones, big data, cloud computing, and other technologies. Mass production by human is slowly turning into mass production by machine.

Jobs exist now that were never heard of by our parents. One estimate suggests that 65% of all children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new types of jobs that aren’t thought of yet.

Redline Group have provided exceptional professional talent for the European Electronics and High-Technology industries since 1982, with Permanent, Contract and Interim recruitment strategies covering Executive, R&D/Engineering, Sales/Marketing & Manufacturing/Operations disciplines.

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